Modular Synthesizer

Tonto’s Expanding Head Band – Zero Time

Zero Time is an exploratory, psychedelic synth odyssey, created entirely on an expanded Series III Moog, aka T.O.N.T.O. (The Original New Timbral Orchestra). The designers and operators of this powerful, polyphonic synthesizer are Robert Margouleff and synthesist-guru Malcolm Cecil (who may be better known for programming synths on legendary albums by Stevie Wonder and Gil-Scott Heron, in addition to his celestial ambient work). The intricately layered results here feel like a synthetic wilderness, with a wide variety of colors and textures that sound warm, organic, and alive.

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M. Sage – Paradise Crick

Style: Psychedelic Electronic, Ambient Americana

Vibes: Nature, Pastoral, Peaceful, Soothing, Hallucinogenic, Impressionistic, Light, Colorful, Forest

Instrumentation: Modular Synthesizer, Keyboards, Flute, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Percussion, Violin, Autoharp, Harmonica, Penny Whistle, Vocals

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Julie Byrne – The Greater Wings

with Jake Falby, Alex Somers, Eric Littmann, Marilu Donovan, Jefre Cantu-Ledesma & Nadia Hulett

Style: Chamber-Folk, Singer/Songwriter, Ambient Pop, New Age

Vibes: Heartfelt, Reflective, Loving, Bittersweet, Mournful, Healing, Introspective, Compassionate, Observational, Poetic, Contemplative, Ethereal, Summer

Musical Qualities: Lyrical, Soft, Lush, Orchestral

Instrumentation: Vocals, Acoustic & Electric Guitars, Strings, Piano, Synthesizers, Harp, Modular Synthesizer

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Carlos Niño & Friends – (I’m just) Chillin’, On Fire

with Josh Johnson, André 3000, Deantoni Parks, Jamael Dean, Jamire Williams, Adam Rudolph, Aaron Shaw, Laraaji, Kamasi Washsington, Sibusile Xaba, Mia Doi Tod, Woo, Photay, Surya Botofasina & others

Style: “Spiritual Improvisational Space Collage”, Ambient Jazz, New Age

Vibe: Ethereal, Communal, Utopian, Meditative, Playful, Exploratory, Soothing, Conscious, Spiritual

Musical Qualities: Collage, Beats, Collective Improvisation, Sampling, Lush, Spoken Word

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Tangerine Dream – Phaedra

While some of their earlier music explored the empty vastness of space, the music on Phaedra seem to discover a swampy alien planet, Pulsing sequencers, dramatic mellotrons, airy flutes, and sweeping synthesizers are drenched in strange echoes and reverbs to create suspenseful alien soundscapes.

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